Entertaining options to accommodate late arrivals
I n a perfect entertaining scenario , all guests arrive on time and food comes out of the oven at the ideal temperature . Even though holiday hosts can hope for the best , it ’ s a good idea to plan for instances when guests take liberties in regard to when they show up to dinner .
People have their own interpretations of what qualifies as “ on time .” For example , for an event that begins at 4 p . m , some guests may turn up at exactly 4 p . m ., while others may arrive an hour or more later . According to etiquette expert Miss Manners , ordinarily it is understood that dinner is served roughly a half hour after the stated invitation time . While it ’ s frustrating for hosts doing a culinary balancing act when guests do not heed etiquette and show up on time , there are some ways to plan ahead for late arrivals .
• Know your audience . If you have perpetual late arrivals , you likely know who the culprits will be . Adjust their invitations so that their proposed arrival times are one hour earlier than the rest of the invitees .
• Shift accountability . On the invitation , clearly state your desires with something such as , “ Arrive at 3 , dinner will be served at 5 .” This gives guests a window of flexibility . Plus , you ’ ll be largely off the hook if the meal is already on the table when late comers arrive . Simply say , “ We knew you wouldn ’ t want us to wait for you .” Plus , if guests know exactly when food will be served , they can fortify themselves with snacks if they must be late .
• Plan make-ahead dishes . Some meals taste even better er when they ’ ve been allowed to sit and the flavors meld . These include quiches , layered pasta dishes , casseroles , and even stews . Incorporate them into holiday entertaining plans , and then you can reheat as needed prior to dinner being served .
• Use the oven as a warmer . Even something like a roast or turkey can be kept warm for some time without compromising on quality . Foods can typically be kept hot in a preheated oven set to 200 F to 250 F . Even lower temperatures between 160 F and 170 F will keep food safe at an internal temperature of 140 F without it actually being cooked more . If it goes above 140 F , turn off the oven and then back on as needed .
• Choose foods that cook quickly . If you prefer to cook to order for guests , then have appetizers on hand to keep early guests satisfied . Then when everyone has arrived you can rely on fast-cooking items like steaks , chops and cutlets . Thin cuts of meats and poultry will take much
less time to cook than briskets and roasts . Give them a holiday makeover with innovative flavors and impressive garnishes .
• Consider catering . Catering companies are masters at keeping food at the ready for guests . A buffet service will keep food hot in chafing dishes , which is perfect for a holiday party with an open door policy on arrival time .
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HUNTSVILLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2022 | 7